Short Description: A fun and flavorful twist on classic candy apples, these treats combine the sweet, tangy, and fizzy taste of Cherry Coke with a hard candy shell and crisp apple. The swirled colors add a visually appealing touch.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup Cherry Coke (or cherry soda)
- ½ tsp black gel food coloring
- ½ tsp red gel food coloring
- Wooden sticks/skewers
Preparation:
Step 1: Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Remove any wax on the apples for better candy adhesion. This can be done by gently scrubbing the apples with a bit of baking soda and warm water. Rinse and dry completely.
Step 2: Insert wooden sticks securely into the tops of the apples. Make sure the sticks are inserted far enough to hold the apple’s weight when dipped.
Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and Cherry Coke. A heavy-bottomed pan will help prevent the sugar from burning.
Step 4: Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Stir frequently to prevent burning until the sugar is dissolved, then stop stirring and let it come to temperature.
Step 5: Remove from heat immediately once the mixture reaches 300°F. Be very careful as the sugar mixture is extremely hot.
Step 6: Add red and black gel food coloring.
Step 7: Gently swirl with a skewer or toothpick (do not overmix) to create a marbled effect. The goal is to have distinct swirls of color, not a uniform shade.
Step 8: Working quickly, dip each apple into the candy coating, turning to coat evenly. Use a gentle swirling motion to ensure the apple is completely covered.
Step 9: Place the dipped apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. This prevents the apples from sticking.
Step 10: Let the candy apples harden completely before serving, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
These Swirled Cherry Coke Candy Apples are a nostalgic treat with a fun and unique twist. The combination of the crisp apple, hard candy shell, and Cherry Coke flavor is irresistible. The swirled colors make them perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. They’re also surprisingly easy to make, and a great activity to do with kids (with adult supervision, of course!). The slight tang from the apple balances the sweetness of the candy coating, making them a well-rounded and satisfying dessert. Plus, they are a conversation starter!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone dessert for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
- Wrap individually in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for a festive homemade gift.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
- Serve alongside other carnival-themed treats like popcorn and cotton candy for a fun, themed party.
Tips:
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement. This is crucial for achieving the hard crack stage.
- Work quickly once the candy coating is ready, as it will start to harden as it cools.
- If the candy coating becomes too thick, you can gently reheat it over low heat, but be careful not to burn it.
- Do not overmix the food coloring to maintain the swirled effect.
- For best results, store candy apples in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the candy coating to become sticky.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information (estimated, per apple):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 25mg
Conclusion:
These Swirled Cherry Coke Candy Apples are a delightful and visually appealing treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With their unique flavor combination and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some candy apple magic!
Questions and Answers:
Question 1: Can I use other types of soda besides Cherry Coke?
Answer: Yes, you can experiment with other sodas like regular Coke, Sprite, or even root beer. Keep in mind that the flavor and color of the candy coating will change accordingly.
Question 2: What if I don’t have gel food coloring? Can I use liquid food coloring?
Answer: Gel food coloring is recommended because it is more concentrated and won’t add extra liquid to the candy mixture. However, you can use liquid food coloring, but you may need to use more to achieve the desired color intensity, and it might affect the consistency of the candy coating slightly.
Question 3: How do I prevent the candy coating from sliding off the apples?
Answer: Make sure the apples are completely dry and free of wax before dipping. Also, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F).
Question 4: Can I make these candy apples ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Store them in a cool, dry place, individually wrapped in cellophane bags to prevent them from sticking together.
Question 5: What is the best way to clean the saucepan after making candy apples?
Answer: Fill the saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. This will help dissolve the hardened sugar and make it easier to clean. You can also add a bit of vinegar to the water to help break down the sugar.
